According to Tuttosport, Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti has refused to listen to offers from Everton, West Ham, and Newcastle after speaking with new manager Thiago Motta. Following a conversation with new Old Lady coach Thiago Motta, Italian defender Gatti turned down the opportunity to join the Premier League this summer. According to Tuttosport, Everton, West Ham, and Newcastle all expressed interest in Gatti, but the ex-Frosinone defender did not even meet with the Premier League three. TS: Gatti rejects Everton, West Ham, and Newcastle following Motta’s call.
Motta, the new coach, detailed his plans for next season to Gatti, telling him that he will be used as either a centre-back or a right-back. Motta had taken a similar tactic with Austria international Stefan Posch in Bologna. Before his arrival to the Stadio Dall’Ara, the 27-year-old had usually played as a centre-back, but under Motta, he was routinely deployed on the right side, helping the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in over 60 years. Gatti has made 50 Serie A appearances and is beginning his third year at the Allianz Stadium.
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is close to joining Aston Villa
Villa are hoping to add to their roster after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. Aston Villa is closing in on a £50 million deal for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. According to the PA news agency, the Toffees are planning to unload the 22-year-old, who has failed to make an impression in a failing club since joining from Lille for £35 million two years ago. Villa are hoping to add to their roster after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time.
Onana, who was in Belgium’s Euro 2024 squad for all matches, had a rough final few months of the season, starting only two of the last six games – the final two fixtures of the campaign when top-flight status had already been assured. There were expectations that the club will sell the midfielder this summer because he was not seen as a key part of manager Sean Dyche’s plans.
With Villa achieving their valuation, the club, which incurred two point sanctions for financial breaches last season, is eager to cash in and make a profit, but a sell-on fee is expected from Lille. Onana’s sale will also help Everton fend off Manchester United’s interest in centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. The defender has received a couple of bids, the most recent believed to be for £50 million, but Everton insist they will only consider a “mega offer” for the 22-year-old, who received his first England call-up during his breakthrough season at Goodison Park and is valued around £70 million.
